Kurti seeks additional KFOR troops, Germany wraps up demand

The German government has expressed relief after the recent collapse of the situation in northern Kosovo and the removal of barricades from the streets. “This is a good signal from both sides, resulting in the removal of barricades from the Serb minority in northern Kosovo”, government deputy Christiane Hoffman said these days in Berlin. This has resulted in the renewed opening of all border crossings between Kosovo and Serbia, which were blocked in December and at the time of the holidays.

Dialogue Must Continue

“Now we need to focus on supporting dialogue and continuing talks between Kosovo and Serbia. This is what the German government is doing”, Hoffman added. Germany supports the efforts of representatives of the Evpian Union for mediation in dialogue. Hoffmann and another foreign ministry spokesman did not want to comment on Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti's demands for sending more NATO soldiers to Kosovo. Hoffmann said the German government will focus further on continuing dialogue and resolving problems with dialogue.

Prime Minister Kurti has stated in an interview for the German newspaper Dei Welt: “The strengthening of NATO troops in our country would also strengthen security and peace, not only in Kosovo but in the entire Western Balkan region”.

Strengthening NATO disgraces?

German authorities refused to comment on this request. But NATO representatives have been clear in statements that they are able to care for peace and security. KFOR has been in Kosovo since 1999 and cares for the country's security. About 38,000 NATO troops are security guarantees throughout Kosovo. There are also about 70 German soldiers in this contingent.

Events in the north have escalated following decisions on changing illegal plates, which have resulted in the exit of Serbs from the north from Kosovo institutions, the announcements and then the postponement of mayoral elections in the north, attacks on Kosovo representatives, but also those of the international community, the arrest of some persons and the release in domestic prison, the blocking of roads and the removal of barricades... But what has largely concerned both political and military representatives, is the military rhetoric that has been heard in Belgrade, the establishment of combat readiness of the Serbian army and police, but also threats by Kosovo authorities that they will act violently in removing the barricades. The situation in the north is now calm, but problems remain. Berlin now requires continued dialogue. /dw